Public safety briefs for July 7, 2019

Information for this report was taken from publicly available law enforcement records and includes arrest and citation information. Anyone listed in this report is presumed innocent.

On June 28, Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued Russell Kuipers, 37, of Homer, a summons for personal use fishing in China Poot Creek during a closed season, with a mandatory court date set for July 17 in the Homer Court. He was also issued a $140 bailable citation for snagging sockeye salmon in the fresh waters of China Pot Creek. Rand Seaton, 37, of Homer, was also issued a summons for personal use fishing in China Poot Creek during a closed season, with a mandatory court date set for July 17 in the Homer Court.

On June 27, Seward Alaska State Troopers contacted Anetelea Opetaia, 32, of Anchorage, near Mile 47 of the Seward Highway. Opetaia requested Emergency Medical Services, due to heat exhaustion. After receiving medical care at the Seward Providence Emergency Room, Opetaia was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to comply with conditions of release and was taken to the Seward jail with a $5,000 bond.

On June 29 at 4:05 p.m., Alaska State Troopers received a Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately (REDDI) call in the area of Ninilchik about a male driving intoxicated in a black Ford truck and chasing another vehicle down Oil Well Road. Troopers responded to the area, and investigation resulted in the arrest of Joel Mumey, 51, of Ninilchik, for three counts of third-degree assault (domestic violence), one count of fourth-degree assault, and one count of driving under the influence. Mumey was taken to the Homer Police Department, where a breath sample showed a breath alcohol content.

On June 28 at 11:24 p.m. Soldotna Alaska State Troopers received a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) report of a vehicle leaving the Bridge Lounge in Soldotna. Troopers located the described vehicle near the intersection of the Sterling Highway and Kalifornsky Beach Road in Soldotna. The driver and sole occupant was identified as Jacob Daniel, 24, of Soldotna. After investigation, Daniel was arrested for driving under the influence and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.

On June 27, Alaska Wildlife Troopers were conducting traffic for the Swan Lake Fire near Watson Lake. During the patrol, a silver SUV pulling a boat with dip nets and coolers in it pulled to the side of the road without turning its hazard lights on. The trooper contacted Jose Tagle, 24, of Anchorage, as he was getting out of his vehicle. When contacted, Tagle was told he could not park in the construction zone and that there had been congestion and traffic complaints, due to people stopping to look at the fire. Tagle stated that he was just grabbing a Red Bull from his cooler. After further conversation, Tagle was providing conflicting information regarding his fishing trip. After investigation, and he admitted to dip netting and catching salmon in the Kasilof River without a permit, Tagle was issued a citation for permit required for personal use dip net fishing, with bail set at $200.

On June 26, Alaska Wildlife Troopers were conducting a patrol of the Kasilof River North Beach when David Terpstra, 57, of Soldotna, was contacted while he was dip net fishing. He was unable to provide a copy of his fishing license, but was able to provide a valid 2019 personal use dip net permit. He was issued a correctable citation for sport fishing without license in possession, with bail set at $220.

On June 26, Alaska Wildlife Troopers were conducting a patrol of the Kasilof River North Beach when Santosh Bhattarai, 28, of Anchorage, was contacted while he was dip net fishing. He was able to provide a copy of his fishing license but unable to provide a valid 2019 personal use dip net permit. He was issued a citation for personal use permit required, with bail set at $220.

On June 26, Alaska Wildlife Troopers were conducting a patrol of the Kasilof River North beach when Dhana Misra, 26, of Anchorage, was contacted while he was dip net fishing. Misra was able to provide a copy of his fishing license but was unable to provide a valid 2019 personal use dip net permit. He was issued a citation for personal use permit required, with bail set at $220.

On June 28 at about 4:00 p.m., Seward Alaska State Troopers was notified of an aircraft emergency locator transmitter (ELT) activation in mountainous terrain near Mile 37 of the Seward Highway. Investigation confirmed the crash of a small plane with four souls onboard. Alaska Air National Guard (AKANG) Pararescu-ers responded to the crash site and located one survivor, who was airlifted to the Providence Emergency Room in critical condition. On June 20, AST Helo 3 will be flying to the scene to attempt recovery of victims and will be transporting National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to the area. Recovery efforts are hampered by poor visibility due to wildfire smoke and mountainous terrain. Victim names are withheld pending next-of-kin notifications.

UPDATE:

On June 29, Alaska State Troopers Helo 3 transported members of Alaska Mountain Rescue Group (AMRG) to the vicinity of the aircraft crash site. AMRG hiked to the crash site to secure the scene. On June 30, Helo 3 will return to the area to attempt to complete recovery of the deceased victims. The victims have been tentatively identified as pilot Michael Scott Christy, 73, his wife, Jean Tam, 69, both of Anchorage, and passenger Suzanne Glass, 29, of Sterling, Virginia. Andrea Joy Cooper, 28, of Sterling, Virginia, survived the crash and is hospitalized in critical condition in Anchorage.

On June 29 at 7:03 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately)/suspicious vehicle complaint in Soldotna. The investigation indicated that Tyler Fuxa, 27, was violating conditions of release in two separate domestic violence assault cases, but he was not immediately contacted. On June 30 at 1:48 a.m., Fuxa was contacted in Soldotna and found to be actively violating his conditions of release and unlawfully contacting the victim of the pending assault cases. After investigation, Fuxa was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial on the charges of violating conditions of release and first-degree unlawful contact.

On June 29 at about 9:00 p.m., Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers responded to the report of an assault taking place inside a moving vehicle in Kasilof. The vehicle was located, and Daniel Derr II, 39, of Wasilla, was contacted during the investigation, which revealed that Derr had assaulted a female passenger. Derr was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial on the charge of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence).

On June 30 at 6:01 a.m., Alaska State Troopers received a report of a disturbance between two males in the Miller’s Landing campground in Seward. Investigation revealed that Gregory Kisor, 55, of Nikiski, had committed the crime of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence). Kisor was arrested and taken to the Seward Jail without bail.

On June 28, Alaska Wildlife Troopers were conducting a patrol of the Kasilof River North Beach when Fabrice Evengue, 38, of Anchorage, was contacted while he was dip net fishing. He was able to provide a copy of his fishing license but was unable to provide a valid 2019 personal use dip net permit. He was issued a citation for personal use permit required, with bail set at $220.

On June 27, Alaska Wildlife Troopers were conducting a patrol of the Kasilof River North Beach when Mika Thompson, 18, of Soldotna, was contacted while she was dip net fishing. She was able to provide a copy of her fishing license but was unable to provide a valid 2019 personal use dip net permit. She was issued a citation for no personal use permit in possession, with bail set at $220.

Department of Statewide Public Safety Advisory

Fire danger across the state continues to remain high. The current locations have a suspension of sale and use of fireworks: Fairbanks North Star Borough; Kenai Peninsula Borough; Matanuska-Susitna Borough; Copper River Valley, including Glennallen south to Valdez; Tanana Valley north of the Alaska Range; Northern Panhandle, including Haines Borough, Municipality of Skagway and Juneau Borough, Kodiak Borough.

On July 1 at 2:34 a.m., Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a gray 1986 Ford Bronco for an equipment violation. Investigation revealed that Tony Watson, 55, of Clam Gulch, had two active arrest warrants for failing to appear. Watson was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility on $1,000 bail.

On June 30, Alaska Wildlife Troopers conducted a patrol of the Kasilof River dipnet fishery. During the patrol, Troy West, 46, of Anchorage, was observed dipnet fishing and contacted. West was able to provide a valid 2019 Alaska fishing license but was unable to provide a 2019 personal use dipnet permit. West stated that when he went to get his license from the Kasilof mercantile, the clerk at the store told him he only needed to record his fish on his fishing license. West was asked if he had been dipnet fishing before, and he stated that he had. He was also asked if he had called Alaska Wildlife Troopers or the Department of Fish and Game. West stated that he had not. He was informed that it was up to him to follow the rules and regulations for the fishery he was fishing in. West was issued a citation for personal use permit required, with bail set at $220.

On July 1 at about 9:30 a.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a verbal altercation followed by the sound of a gunshot at a residence in the area of Halbouty Road in Nikiski. Investigation led to the arrest of Steven Dean Coble, 51, of Nikiski, who was found to be in violation of his conditions of release for a prior second-degree assault and fourth-degree assault case. He was remanded without bail on a charge of violating conditions of release.

On July 1 at 1:44 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a domestic disturbance at a Nikiski residence. Investigation revealed that Donald Zoske, 64, of Nikiski, assaulted a family member with a firearm. Zoske was found to be a felon in possession of a firearm. He was arrested and taken to the Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.

On June 30, Alaska Wildlife Troopers were conducting a patrol of the Kasilof River North Beach when Rosalyn Wyche, 54, of Anchorage, was contacted while she was dipnet fishing. She was able to provide a copy of her fishing license but was unable to provide a valid 2019 personal use dipnet permit. She was issued a citation for personal use permit required, with bail set at $220.

On June 30 at 4:35 p.m., Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Soldotna Post, arrested Robert William Brown, 55, of Kenai, at Mile 2 of Kalifornsky Beach Road in Kasilof for driving under the influence of alcohol. Troopers contacted Brown after conducting a traffic stop on the vehicle he was driving for speeding. Arraignment is scheduled in Kenai District Court on July 11.

On July 1 at 5:37 p.m., Alaska State Troopers received report of two suspects actively stealing cameras off the Reflection Lake Church. Troopers responded to the area but were unable to locate the individuals. Troopers have photos of the suspects and are working to identify them. Anyone with information about who did this is encouraged to call Alaska State Troopers at 907-262-4453.

On July 1, Alaska Wildlife Troopers conducted a patrol of the Kasilof River dipnet fishery. During the patrol, Bo Millhouse, 32, of Anchorage, was observed dipnet fishing and was contacted. Millhouse

was able to provide a valid 2019 Alaska fishing license but was unable to provide a 2019 Kenai Personal Use Dipnet Permit. Millhouse was issued a citation for personal use permit required, with bail set at $220.

Fireworks Suspension Update

The Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office, in consultation with the State Forester’s Office and in accordance with Alaska Administrative Code 50.025 Fire Code, has canceled the fireworks sales and use suspension in Western Alaska, including Dillingham, Bethel, McGrath, Nome, Kotzebue and surrounding communities. Until further notice, fireworks sales and use suspensions remain in effect in the following areas: Fairbanks North Star Borough; Kenai Peninsula Borough; Matanuska-Susitna Borough: Kodiak Borough; Copper River Valley, including Glennallen south to Valdez; Tanana Valley

north of the Alaska Range; Northern Panhandle, including Haines in the north, Skagway, and Juneau to the south Updates regarding sale and use of and fireworks suspensions status will be posted during regular business hours in the Alaska State Troopers Daily Dispatches under the heading “AK Div of Fire and Life Safety.”

On June 30 at 1:23 a.m., Soldotna police stopped a vehicle on the Sterling Highway near Riverside Drive. Investigation led to the 17-year-old female driver being issued citations for possession of alcohol by a minor and minor operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol. The 16-year-old male passenger was cited for possession of alcohol by a minor. Both juveniles were also found to be in possession of marijuana, and charges of fifth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance will be forwarded to Juvenile Intake. The juveniles were released to their parents.

On June 29 at about 12:20 a.m., Soldotna police were conducting a security check at the Bridge Lounge and contacted Shannon Beals, 30, of Sterling. Beals was violating her court ordered conditions of release by consuming alcohol. She was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.

On June 24 at 3:07 p.m., Soldotna police responded to Fred Meyer for a shoplifter. Jessica Spurgeon, 40, of Kenai, was issued a criminal citation for third-degree theft and released.

On June 23 at 9:09 p.m., after a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) complaint was received, Soldotna police stopped a vehicle near Mile 94 of the Sterling Highway. Joseluis Villasenor, 50, of Anchorage, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and fourth-degree misconduct involving weapons and taken to Wildwood Pretrial.

On July 3 at about 11:00 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a disturbance at a residence off Mackey Lake Road in Soldotna. Investigation revealed that Craig Michael Chestler, 36, of Soldotna, had smashed the cell phone of another person in the home. He was arrested for third-degree criminal mischief (domestic violence) and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail, pending arraignment.

On July 4 at about 10:20 a.m., the Soldotna Alaska State Troopers K-9 Team arrived at the Save-U-More Store located at 43531 K-Beach Road in Soldotna for a report of an intoxicated person causing a disturbance. The intoxicated individual was identified as Roger L. Kurtz, 50, of Soldotna. Troopers attempted to provide Kurtz with transportation to a family member’s residence. Kurtz was belligerent and uncooperative with law enforcement and continued to kick and strike the prisoner transport cage that is adjoined to the K-9 Kennel in the patrol vehicle. Kurtz was told several times to stop his behavior because there was a police K-9 on the other side of the cage. Kurtz continued being belligerent, yelling and kicking the inside of the patrol vehicle, even after being told he would be charged for second-degree harming a police dog if he continued. Kurtz was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility and held until sober.

On July 4 at about 11:50 a.m., the Soldotna Alaska State Troopers K-9 Team responded to a report of a disturbance occurring at a residence located near Takoda Street in Nikiski. Upon arrival, troopers contacted David C. Butterfield, 39, of Anchorage. A verbal dispute had occurred over property between Butterfield and two other individuals. Butterfield threatened the two individuals with a Compound Bow. Butterfield was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail on charges of two counts of third-degree assault.

On July 3, Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Michael Rozak, 42, of Kenai, during a traffic stop near Soldotna. During the contact, troopers discovered that Rozak was in possession of nearly an ounce of methamphetamine. Rozak was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial on a felony charge of second-degree misconduct involving controlled substances.

On July 4 at about 4:00 p.m., Jeff Peltier, 52, of Oklahoma, was contacted by Soldotna Alaska State Troopers. Investigation revealed that Peltier had a fully extraditable warrant out of Oklahoma, which had been issued in 2010. Peltier was arrested on the warrant and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.

On July 4, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Soldotna Post, cited Roni Carmon, 65, of Kenai, for failing to have a photo ID card with his commercial fisheries permit card. Carmon was issued a citation with a mandatory court appearance.

The Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office, in consultation with the State Forester’s Office and in accordance with Alaska Administrative Code 50.025 Fire Code, has added the Denali Borough to the list of regions where fireworks use and sales are suspended until further notice. Fireworks sales and use suspensions currently remain in effect in the following areas: Fairbanks North Star Borough; Denali Borough; Kenai Peninsula Borough; Matanuska-Susitna Borough; Kodiak Borough; Copper River Valley, including Glennallen south to Valdez; Tanana Valley north of the Alaska Range; Northern Panhandle, including Haines in the north, Skagway, and Juneau to the south. Updates regarding sale and use of and fireworks suspensions status will be posted during regular business hours in the Alaska State Troopers Daily Dispatches under the heading “AK Div of Fire and Life Safety.”